Ethiopian Cargo received the award for its achievements in rapidly expanding its cargo network and for becoming the largest cargo airline at Brussels Airport in just 6 months period. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to Genesis Global Aviation to operate full charter helicopter services. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cleared all Helicopter Operators duly certified by the Regulatory Authority to commence operations in and out of Abuja.

by Sahara Reporters, New YorkMar 24, 2017

Ethiopian Airlines Wins Cargo Award

Ethiopian Airlines Cargo Aircraft

Ethiopian Airlines, is the recipient of the ‘Cargo Airline Award for Network Development,’ one of the awards granted at the 10th anniversary of the Brussels Airport Aviation Awards held recently.

The Network Development Awards are presented to airlines that have developed new routes or achieved a remarkable growth in passengers or cargo.

Ethiopian Cargo received the award for its achievements in rapidly expanding its cargo network and for becoming the largest cargo airline at Brussels Airport in just 6 months period.

“We are very pleased to be the winner of such a prestigious award,” Ethiopian Group CEO Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam said. “The award boosts our energy to serve our customers’ air cargo needs better. Ethiopian Cargo Services connects African Economies with the rest of the world in import of industrial goods and export of commodities which are both the engine of the socioeconomic development in today’s highly globalized world.”

“With six new and modern Boeing 777F and two B757F all cargo airplanes complemented by the vast network of belly hold capacity on our passenger wide body airplanes, Ethiopian CaRgo is currently the largest cargo airline in the continent of Africa.”

He expressed gratitude to the dedicated cargo team, global cargo customers and particularly its Belgian partners whom he said had made its cargo hub in Europe a resounding success.

He added that with the inauguration of the largest and the most modern cargo terminal in Africa, with annual cargo capacity of 600 thousand tons, in the coming couple of months; the airline would transform Addis Ababa as one of the best cargo hubs in the air cargo industry.

Ever since the first cargo charter operation was launched to Nairobi in 1946 and the boom of agriculture export products out of Ethiopia, Ethiopian Cargo Services has been steadily growing.

With our six Boeing 777- 200LRF freighters and two Boeing 757-260 freighters, the airline serves 36 cargo destinations in Africa, the Gulf, the Middle East, Asia and Europe with an average daily uplift of 650 tons on top of the belly hold capacity to over 90 destinations in its network with daily average uplift of 150 tons.

The certificate was issued after the company had satisfied all the regulatory requirements and went through a thorough screening.

Speaking in Lagos after receiving the AOC, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, Chairman of Genesis Aviation, said getting the certification was a major milestone for the organization.

He expressed confidence in the Nigerian economy despite the challenges in the industry, stressing that a chunk of the players in the sector had closed shop in recent time, but this had not affected much in the helicopter sub-sector.

He added: “Whether it is in respect of offshore service delivery or for emergency medical evacuation or general logistics of moving people and personnel from one point to the other, there is requirement for helicopter services.

“We really believe in the resilience of the Nigerian economy,” he said. “What we are witnessing is just a dip for the time being and we believe that there is bound to be a rebound at some point in time.”

Mr. Iheanacho said it was herculean to get the AOC because of the rigorous processes involved, saying that the company had to go through the required five stages, which took it about two years to accomplish.

Red Star Says It Will Still Deliver During Abuja Airport Closure

Red Star Express, an indigenous courier company has assured its clients and customers nationwide that the closure of the Abuja Airport will not affect its delivery business.

The Assistant General Manager Operations and Services, Mrs. Inemesit James-Okoro said that Red Star Express has modalities in place to ensure prompt deliveries of client’s packages anywhere in major cities across the country.

She explained that apart from the option of land transportation, there are other air services to neighbouring cities around the FCT to facilitate early morning deliveries.

“We are out to provide speed, reliability and peace of mind for customers shipping in and out of the FCT during the closure of Abuja,” she stated.

The Federal Government closed Nnamdi Azikiwe Inernational Airport, Abuja for renovations and maintenance. The closure started March 8 and is slated to reopen April 19.

NCAA Gives Green Light To Helicopters In Abuja

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cleared all Helicopter Operators duly certified by the Regulatory Authority to commence operations in and out of Abuja.

A statement by the Sam Adurogboye, General Manager, Public Affairs of NCAA, said that a letter to that effect has since been dispatched to all concerned operators.

The National Security Adviser (NSA) had placed a ban on Helicopter operations into Abuja.

“All operators should therefore carry out their operations in line with Standard and Recommended Practices,” the statement said.

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